How to stop credits from expiring?

I've got two problems, but both are related.

1) I've got 12 graduate credits. The school told me I could apply the credits toward a Master's degree from them, or transfer the credits elsewhere, but only if that is done within 5 years. The time is up soon. Is there some way to prevent them from being expired, should I decide to apply them toward something useful in the future?

2) I'll need to complete 6 graduate credits once every 3 years to renew my teaching license. If I complete 6 credits every 3 years, can that slowly be rolled into a degree, or would I risk having credits expire as time goes by?

 

Most schools have time limits for graduate degree programs. For example, degree must be earned within six years from date of first course applied to degree requirements.

 

That seems like such a short time. Is there anything I can do? Is it possible other schools will accept the credits from 2008, regardless of the time, so long as they can see a transcript? I will soon enter a MA program, the credits are related, but not part of the degree requirements, can I put the credits on that transcript so they don't expire so soon?

 

What you may be able to do is take those initial 12 credits, depending upon the subject, and enroll in a Master of Liberal Arts / Professional Studies program with a liberal transfer policy, say, maybe Amberton or Excelsior. Then, you can extend the life of them by a few years, and take the remaining 18-24 credits over 5-6 years to renew your license, and complete the Master's degree to boot.